Destruction In The Northeast Kingdom

You probably don’t hear much about our little corner of the world in the national news but we just suffered through a major storm. No, nothing along the lines of Joplin, Missouri. Thankfully no deaths reported here but we are definitely experiencing major storm damage unlike any Mountain Man remembers.

Thursday, we were under a tornado watch (an unusual occurrence for this part of the world). We knew we’d be getting rain but we weren’t too worried. As it approached dinner time, warnings started being broadcast over The Weather Channel and our local news. A tornado was on its way. Around 7:00 p.m., the sky turned completely dark and the winds started to pick up as the rain pounded us. In a single moment, rain turned to hail and the view outside our windows looked like this. Those are giant hail balls.

Massive lightening strikes were all around and our house is basically all windows so down to the basement we went with the dogs where we stayed huddled for a couple of hours.

Finally, we felt it was safe to be upstairs again but none of us slept. The rain came down in torrents all night long and the house shook from thunder and was illuminated from lightening. KT-Whippet stayed huddled under the covers by my side shaking as I prayed continually for the storm to pass.

Morning finally arrived and I ventured to the barn to check the animals. The sky was beautifully eerie and I had no idea about the destruction that had been wrought.

Our driveway had disappeared when our small creek overflowed. Mountain Man surveyed the damage and got to work.

Maybe you can get an idea of how deep the hole is from seeing Lilly down in it.

Usually, this is a small meandering creek.

Trees are down everywhere.

But the story at our farm is insignificant in the face of the destruction all around us. Roads have disappeared and at the moment, there is no way to get around. People have lost their homes to flooding and destruction is everywhere. I’m posting the link to pictures from our area if you’re interested.

From our local television station.

From our local newspaper.

Our Govenor has called out The National Guard and requested The President declare us a disaster area.

As you go about your weekend, please keep our part of the country in your prayers.

(9) Comments
Phyl said:

So glad you’re safe. What a terrible experience and waking up to such distruction had to be so sad. I hope and pray that nobody got hurt, but replacing the damage is so hard. What a rough spring for so many people. Wish I could make it better.

Date: May 28, 2011

Karen and Gerard said:

My word, such a mess! We had tornado warnings in Cleveland too last week but fortunately, no big damage. Our hail wasn’t nearly as big as yours! That is so strange for Vermont. Glad you house and barn didn’t suffer any damage. That’s wild how those roads are all torn up!

Date: May 28, 2011

lin said:

Yikes!! That is very scary!! I’m glad that you are safe, but sorry about the damage to your property. I am scared of wind and tornadoes–they can do so much damage. :( I hope all the animals are safe and not scared anymore.

Date: May 28, 2011

Heather :) :) :) said:

I’m glad you, Mountain Man and the rest of the animals are okay ) :) I’ll definitely be keeping your area of the country in my prayers!!! How long will it take to fix your driveway? Love, hugs and prayers from Oregon, Heather :)

Date: May 28, 2011

aNNE said:

I came here from Heather’s Blog O Rama! I am sorry for all the awful devastation but I am glad you are safe. It is a difficult year and so many people are suffering in these troubled times. I am praying and will continue to do so. Thank you for sharing with us. Anne

Date: May 28, 2011

Linda said:

Oh! I am so glad you and your animals and your husband are safe. What a mess. Hugs and prayer from Colorado!!!!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com/

Date: May 28, 2011

sharkbytes said:

These storms are really something. Glad all the animals and you are ok.

Date: May 28, 2011

Far Side of Fifty said:

Looks like a bad storm, the weather has been crazy all over..we don’t even really have spring yet here..maybe this week. I am glad you and the animals are all safe:)

Date: May 29, 2011

Karen said:

Oh my! What is up with all this horrible weather. I am glad you didn’t have more damage and you are all safe. I am praying for all of the people affected by these awful storms.

Date: May 29, 2011